Electrophoresis display device and electronic apparatus

ABSTRACT

The invention provides an electrophoresis display device having a plurality of pixels that is arrayed in a two-dimensional pattern. The electrophoresis display device according to an aspect of the invention includes: a first electrode that is formed in each of the pixels; a second electrode that is formed opposite to the first electrode; an electrophoresis element that is sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode and has electrophoresis particles that are charged electrically; and an insulation layer that is formed at a region between each two of the first electrodes that are arrayed adjacent to each other.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to an electrophoresis display device andan electronic apparatus.

2. Related Art

In the typical image-display operation of an electrophoresis displaydevice of the related art, an image signal that has been sent via aswitching element to a memory circuit is temporarily stored at thememory circuit. Then, the image signal that has been stored at thememory circuit is directly fed to a first electrode. When an electricpotential (i.e., voltage) is applied to the first electrode, an electricpotential difference is generated between the first electrode and asecond electrode. As a result of such an electric potential difference,an electrophoresis element is energized (i.e., driven). In this way, theelectrophoresis display device of the related art is capable ofdisplaying an image. An example of the electrophoresis display device ofthe related art is described in JP-A-2003-84314.

A static random access memory (hereafter abbreviated as “SRAM”) or adynamic random access memory (hereafter abbreviated as “DRAM”), thoughnot limited thereto, is used as a component that constitutes the memorycircuit described above.

It is necessary to provide a sufficiently large electric potentialdifference between a pair of electrodes that sandwiches theelectrophoresis element in order for the electrophoresis display deviceto display an image. For this reason, the power voltage requirement ofthe memory circuit is 10V or greater. Assuming that one pixel displays acertain color that is not the same as one displayed by another pixelthat is adjacent to the above-mentioned one pixel, it follows that acertain electric potential is applied to a first electrode of theabove-mentioned one pixel whereas another electric potential, which hasa level different from that of the above-mentioned certain electricpotential, is applied to a first electrode of the above-mentionedanother pixel that is adjacent to the above-mentioned one pixel.

Therefore, a considerably large electric potential difference isgenerated between the first electrode of the above-mentioned one pixeland the first electrode of the above-mentioned another pixel that isadjacent thereto. For this reason, a leakage current (i.e., leakcurrent) flows, via an adhesive (layer) that is provided/used to adherethe electrophoresis element to a substrate, though not necessarilylimited to the adhesive (layer), between the first electrode of theabove-mentioned one pixel and the first electrode of the above-mentionedanother pixel that is adjacent thereto. Although the amount of a leakagecurrent that flows in each pixel is not so large, the amount thereofthat flows in the entire display area of the electrophoresis displaydevice is not negligibly small, resulting in an increase in powerconsumption.

In addition, there is an adverse possibility that the generation of sucha leakage current may bring about chemical reactions in the firstelectrodes. Therefore, the electrophoresis display device, if it isaffected by the chemical reactions, has a high risk of degradation inreliability. As a solution to such a problem, it is possible to increasea resistance to chemical reactions if the first electrode is made of amaterial that is chemically stable and less vulnerable to corrosion, forexample, if it is made of gold or platinum, though not limited thereto.However, disadvantageously, the production cost of the electrophoresisdisplay device inevitably increases if such an expensive material isused.

SUMMARY

An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide anelectrophoresis display device that is capable of suppressing thegeneration of a leakage current between pixels, resulting in enhancedreliability as, for example, a product. The invention further provides,as an advantage of some aspects thereof, an electronic apparatus that isprovided with such an electrophoresis display device.

In order to address the above-identified problem without any limitationthereto, the invention provides an electrophoresis display device and anelectronic apparatus each having the following novel and inventivefeatures.

The invention provides, as a first aspect thereof, an electrophoresisdisplay device having a plurality of pixels that is arrayed in atwo-dimensional pattern, the electrophoresis display device including: afirst electrode that is formed in each of the pixels; a second electrodethat is formed opposite to the first electrode; an electrophoresiselement that is sandwiched between the first electrode and the secondelectrode and has electrophoresis particles that are chargedelectrically; and an insulation layer that is formed at a region betweeneach two of the first electrodes that are arrayed adjacent to eachother. With such a configuration, the electrophoresis display deviceaccording to the first aspect of the invention is capable of suppressingthe generation of a leakage current between the pixels, resulting inenhanced reliability as, for example, a product because the insulationlayer that is formed at a region between each two of the firstelectrodes that are arrayed adjacent to each other shuts off the leakagecurrent in an effective manner.

The invention provides, as a second aspect thereof, an electrophoresisdisplay device having a plurality of pixels that is arrayed in atwo-dimensional pattern, the electrophoresis display device including: afirst electrode that is formed in each of the pixels; a second electrodethat is formed opposite to the first electrode; an electrophoresiselement that is sandwiched between the first electrode and the secondelectrode and has electrophoresis particles that are chargedelectrically; and an insulation layer that is formed on the firstelectrode and has an opening (e.g., open region) over the upper surfaceof the first electrode. With such a configuration, the electrophoresisdisplay device according to the first aspect of the invention is capableof suppressing the generation of a leakage current between the pixels,resulting in enhanced reliability as, for example, a product because theinsulation layer that is formed at a region between each two of thefirst electrodes that are arrayed adjacent to each other shuts off theleakage current in an effective manner.

In the configuration of the electrophoresis display device according tothe second aspect of the invention described above, it is preferablethat the insulation layer should be formed to cover a peripheral regionof the upper surface of the first electrode. The preferred configurationof the electrophoresis display device described above ensures that theinterval between the opening of the insulation layer formed over (theupper surface of) one of the above-mentioned two first electrodes thatare arrayed adjacent to each other and the opening of the insulationlayer formed over (the upper surface of) the other of theabove-mentioned two first electrodes that are arrayed adjacent to eachother is relatively large (in comparison with a case where theinsulation layer does not cover the peripheral region of the uppersurface of the first electrode), which means that the length of theleakage path is relatively large. For this reason, the electrophoresisdisplay device having the preferred configuration described above makesit possible to significantly reduce the amount/likelihood of a leakagecurrent that flows through the opening of the insulation layer formedover the first electrode, thereby further effectively suppressing theleakage current.

In the configuration of the electrophoresis display device according tothe first aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the insulationlayer should be formed to be in contact with an edge surface of thefirst electrode. In the preferred configuration of the electrophoresisdisplay device according to the first aspect of the invention describedabove, the insulation layer shuts off the leakage path that extends orleads from the edge surface of one of the above-mentioned two firstelectrodes that are arrayed adjacent to each other to the edge surfaceof the other thereof. By this means, the electrophoresis display devicehaving the preferred configuration described above makes it possible toeffectively suppress a leakage current.

In the configuration of the electrophoresis display device according tothe first aspect of the invention, the insulation layer may be formednot to be in contact with the first electrode. With such aconfiguration, the insulation layer shuts off the leakage path betweenone of the above-mentioned two first electrodes that are arrayedadjacent to each other and the other thereof. By this means, theelectrophoresis display device having the alternative configurationdescribed above makes it possible to effectively suppress a leakagecurrent.

In the configuration of the electrophoresis display device according tothe first aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the insulationlayer should protrude toward the electrophoresis element with respect tothe upper surface of the first electrode. In the preferred configurationof the electrophoresis display device according to the first aspect ofthe invention described above, the insulation layer shuts off theleakage path over a broader shut-off regional range. By this means, theelectrophoresis display device having the preferred configurationdescribed above makes it possible to further effectively suppress aleakage current.

In the configuration of the electrophoresis display device according tothe first aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the insulationlayer should be formed to extend from the upper surface of one of theabove-mentioned two first electrodes that are arrayed adjacent to eachother to the upper surface of the other of the above-mentioned two firstelectrodes that are arrayed adjacent to each other. In the preferredconfiguration of the electrophoresis display device according to thefirst aspect of the invention described above, the insulation layercovers both the upper surface of the first electrode and the edgesurface thereof, which makes the length of the leakage path greater. Bythis means, the electrophoresis display device having the preferredconfiguration described above makes it possible to further effectivelysuppress a leakage current.

In the configuration of the electrophoresis display device according tothe first aspect of the invention, it is preferable that theelectrophoresis element should be in a capsular form that seals theelectrophoresis particles and that the electrophoresis element should beprovided over the first electrode in such a manner that an adhesivelayer is interposed between the electrophoresis element and the firstelectrode. With such a configuration, it is possible to make thedistribution of the electrophoresis particles inside the electrophoresiselement uniform. Thus, the electrophoresis display device having thepreferred configuration described above makes it possible to display animage with uniform image-display quality on the basis of an electricpotential difference between the first electrode and the secondelectrode.

In order to address the above-identified problem without any limitationthereto, the invention provides, as a third aspect thereof, anelectronic apparatus that is provided with the electrophoresis displaydevice according to the invention. Since an electronic apparatusaccording to the third aspect of the invention is provided with theelectrophoresis display device having the unique features describedabove, which make it possible to suppress the generation of a leakagecurrent between pixels, the electronic apparatus according to the thirdaspect of the invention features enhanced reliability as, for example, aproduct.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like numbers reference like elements.

FIG. 1 is a general circuit diagram that schematically illustrates anexample of the electric configuration of an electrophoresis displaydevice 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram that schematically illustrates an example ofthe configuration of one of pixels 2.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view that schematically illustrates an example ofthe partial configuration of the display portion 3 of theelectrophoresis display device 1 according to the first embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view that schematically illustrates an example of theconfiguration of an insulation layer 31 and a pixel electrode 21according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of theconfiguration of a microcapsule 40.

FIGS. 6A and 6B is a set of diagrams that schematically illustrates anexample of the operation of the microcapsule 40.

FIG. 7A is a timing chart that shows an example of the operation of theelectrophoresis display device 1 according to the first embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 7B is a table that shows the image display operation of theelectrophoresis display device 1 according to the first embodiment ofthe invention corresponding to the timing chart of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of twopixels 2 that are arrayed adjacent to each other in the display portion3 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a general circuit diagram that schematically illustrates anexample of the electric configuration of an electrophoresis displaydevice 101 according to a modification example of the first embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram that schematically illustrates an exampleof the configuration of one of the pixels 102.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view that schematically illustrates an example ofthe partial configuration of the display portion 3 of an electrophoresisdisplay device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a plan view that schematically illustrates an example of theconfiguration of the insulation layer 31 and the pixel electrode 21according to the second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view that schematically illustrates an example ofthe partial configuration of the display portion 3 of an electrophoresisdisplay device according to a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a plan view that schematically illustrates an example of theconfiguration of the insulation layer 31 and the pixel electrode 21according to the third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view that schematically illustrates an example ofthe partial configuration of the display portion 3 of an electrophoresisdisplay device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a plan view that schematically illustrates an example of theconfiguration of the insulation layer 31 and the pixel electrode 21according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of theconfiguration of an electronic apparatus that is provided with anelectrophoresis display device according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe invention (e.g., the electrophoresis display device 1 according tothe first embodiment of the invention, though not limited thereto).

FIG. 18 is a diagram that schematically illustrates another example ofthe configuration of an electronic apparatus that is provided with anelectrophoresis display device according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe invention (e.g., the electrophoresis display device 1 according tothe first embodiment of the invention, though not limited thereto).

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

With reference to the accompanying drawings, an electrophoresis displaydevice 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention isexplained below. FIG. 1 is a general circuit diagram that schematicallyillustrates an example of the electric configuration of theelectrophoresis display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe invention. The electrophoresis display device 1 is provided with,though not necessarily limited thereto, a display portion (e.g., displayarea, display unit, though not limited thereto) 3, a scanning linedriving circuit 6, a data line driving circuit 7, a common power supplymodulation circuit 8, and a controller 10.

A plurality of pixels 2 is formed on the display portion 3. The pixels 2are arranged in a matrix pattern thereon. In the matrix pattern, Mpieces of the pixels 2 are arrayed along the Y direction, whereas Npieces of the pixels 2 are arrayed along the X direction. The scanningline driving circuit 6 is connected to the pixels 2 via a plurality ofscanning lines 4 (Y1, Y2, . . . , Ym). Each of the scanning lines 4extends in the X-axis direction on the display portion 3. The data linedriving circuit 7 is connected to the pixels 2 via a plurality of datalines 5 (X1, X2, . . . , Xn). Each of the data lines 5 extends in theY-axis direction on the display portion 3. The common power supplymodulation circuit 8 is connected to the pixels 2 via a common electrodepower supply line 15. A controller 10 is responsible for controllingeach of the scanning line driving circuit 6, the data line drivingcircuit 7, and the common power supply modulation circuit 8. Each of afirst power line 13, a second power line 14, and the common electrodepower supply line 15 constitutes a common line that is shared among allof the pixels 2.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram that schematically illustrates an example ofthe configuration of one of the pixels 2. In the present embodiment ofthe invention, the pixel 2 is made up of a driving thin film transistor(hereafter abbreviated as “TFT”) 24, the SRAM (Static Random AccessMemory) 25, a pixel electrode 21, a common electrode 22, and anelectrophoresis element (i.e., electrophoresis device) 23. The drivingTFT 24 is a non-limiting example of a switching element (i.e., switchingdevice) according to the invention. The SRAM 25 is a non-limitingexample of a memory circuit according to the invention. The pixelelectrode 21 is a non-limiting example of “a first electrode” accordingto the invention. Finally, the common electrode 22 is a non-limitingexample of “a second electrode” according to the invention.

The driving TFT 24 is constituted as (i.e., made of) a negative metaloxide semiconductor (hereafter abbreviated as “N-MOS”). The gateelectrode of the driving TFT 24 is connected to the scanning line 4. Thesource electrode of the driving TFT 24 is connected to the data line 5,whereas the drain electrode thereof is connected to the SRAM 25. Duringa time period in which a selection signal is being inputted therein(i.e., into the driving TFT 24) from the scanning line driving circuit 6via the scanning line 4, the driving TFT 24 establishes an electricconnection between the data line 5 and the SRAM 25. Through the electricconnection established by the driving TFT 24 during the application ofthe selection signal thereto, an image signal that is inputted into thedriving TFT 24 from the data line driving circuit 7 via the data line 5is further inputted into the SRAM 25.

The SRAM 25 is made up of two positive metal oxide semiconductors(hereafter abbreviated as “P-MOS”) 25 p 1 and 25 p 2 and two N-MOS 25 n1 and 25 n 2. The source electrode of the P-MOS 25 p 1 of the SRAM 25and the source electrode of the P-MOS 25 p 2 thereof are electricallyconnected to the first power line 13. On the other hand, the sourceelectrode of the N-MOS 25 n 1 of the SRAM 25 and the source electrode ofthe N-MOS 25 n 2 thereof are electrically connected to the second powerline 14.

The drain electrode of the P-MOS 25 p 1 of the SRAM 25 and the drainelectrode of the N-MOS 25 n 1 thereof are electrically connected to thedriving TFT 24, the gate electrode of the P-MOS 25 p 2 thereof and thegate electrode of the N-MOS 25 n 2 thereof.

On the other hand, the drain electrode of the P-MOS 25 p 2 of the SRAM25 and the drain electrode of the N-MOS 25 n 2 thereof are electricallyconnected to the gate electrode of the P-MOS 25 p 1 thereof and the gateelectrode of the N-MOS 25 n 1 thereof.

The SRAM 25 is used to retain an image signal that is sent from thedriving TFT 24. In addition, the SRAM 25 is further used to input theimage signal into the pixel electrode 21.

The electrophoresis element 23 functions to display an image by means ofan electric potential difference between the pixel electrode 21 and thecommon electrode 22. The common electrode 22 is electrically connectedto the common electrode power supply line 15.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view that schematically illustrates an example ofthe partial configuration of the display portion 3 of theelectrophoresis display device 1 according to the present embodiment ofthe invention. In the configuration of the display portion 3 of theelectrophoresis display device 1 according to the present embodiment ofthe invention, the electrophoresis element 23 is sandwiched between anelement substrate 28 and a counter substrate (i.e., opposite substrate)29. The element substrate 28 has the pixel electrodes 21, whereas thecounter substrate 29 has the common electrode 22. The electrophoresiselement 23 is made up of a plurality of microcapsules 40. Theelectrophoresis element 23 is fixed between the element substrate 28 andthe counter substrate 29 by means of an adhesive. Therefore, an adhesivelayer 30 is interposed between the electrophoresis element 23 and theelement substrate 28 as well as between the electrophoresis element 23and the counter substrate 29. An insulation layer 31 is formed eachbetween two adjacent pixel electrodes 21.

The element substrate 28 is made of, for example, glass or plastic,though not limited thereto. The glass material or the plastic materialis molded into a rectangular shape so as to form the element substrate28. The pixel electrodes 21 are formed on the element substrate 28. Thepixel electrode 21 is formed as a rectangular electrode in each of thepixels 2. Though not illustrated in the drawing, the scanning line 4,the data line 5, the first power line 13, the second power line 14, thecommon electrode power supply line 15, the driving TFT 24, and the SRAM25, though not limited thereto, which have already been explained abovewhile referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, are formed in a gap region betweeneach two pixel electrodes 21 that are arrayed adjacent to each other anda layer formed under the corresponding pixel electrode 21, which is, forexample, close to the element substrate 28.

The counter substrate 29 serves as an image-display-side substrate.Therefore, the counter substrate 29 is made of a transparent materialsuch as glass or the like, which is formed into a rectangular shape. Amaterial that has both optical transparency and electric conductivity isused for the formation of the common electrode 22 on the countersubstrate 29. As a non-limiting example of such a transparent andconductive material, a magnesium-silver alloy, mixture, or the like(MgAg), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO) may be used.

The insulation layer 31 is formed as follows: a thin film (of theinsulation layer 31) is formed by using a chemical vapor deposition(CVD) method, a vapor deposition method, a spin coating method, thoughnot limited thereto; and thereafter, a partial region of the film thathas been deposited over each of the pixel electrodes 21 is etched awayby means of an etching technique or removed by means of any alternativeopening-forming or film-removing technique other than the etching methodso as to form an opening each thereat.

As a non-limiting material of the insulation layer 31, a resin film thatis made of acryl, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), etc.,or an inorganic film that is made of SiO₂, Si₃N₄, SiN_(x), Al₂O₃, etc.,is used.

The insulation layer 31 is formed at a region between each two of thepixel electrodes 21 that are arrayed adjacent to each other. Inaddition, in the configuration of the electrophoresis display device 1according to the present embodiment of the invention, the insulationlayer 31 is formed in such a manner that it further covers theperipheral region of (the upper surface of) the pixel electrode 21. Inthe illustrated example, the upper surface of the insulation layer 31protrudes, at least slightly, toward the electrophoresis element 23 withrespect to (i.e., when viewed from) the upper surface of the pixelelectrode 21. However, the invention is not limited to such anillustrated example. That is, the illustrated configuration may bemodified in such a manner that the upper surface of the insulation layer31 is at the same level as that of the upper surface of the pixelelectrode 21.

FIG. 4 is a plan view that schematically illustrates an example of theconfiguration of the insulation layer 31 and the pixel electrode 21 thatmake up the display portion 3 according to the present embodiment of theinvention while any components other than the insulation layer 31 andthe pixel electrode 21 are omitted therefrom. As shown in FIG. 4, in aplan view, the insulation layer 31 is formed in a grid pattern so as toextend along each gap region between two pixel electrodes 21 arrayedadjacent to each other. A part of the insulation layer 31 is formed tooverlie (i.e., overlap in a plan view) the pixel electrode 21 in such amanner that the upper surface of the pixel electrode 21 is rimmedthereby in a frame-like shape.

FIG. 5 is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of theconfiguration of the microcapsule 40. The microcapsule 40 has a diameterof, for example, approximately 50 μm. The microcapsule 40 is made of,for example, an acrylic resin including but not limited to polymethylmethacrylate or polyethyl methacrylate, a urea resin, a polymeric resinhaving optical transparency such as gum arabic or the like. Themicrocapsule 40 is sandwiched between the common electrode 22 and thepixel electrode 21. The plurality of microcapsules 40 is arrayedvertically and horizontally in each of the pixels 2. A binder isprovided therein so as to fill each gap between the microcapsules 40,thereby supporting the microcapsules 40 in a stable manner. Note thatthe binder is not illustrated in the drawing.

A dispersion medium 41, a plurality of white particles (electricallycharged particles) 42, and a plurality of black particles (electricallycharged particles) 43 are sealed inside the microcapsule 40. Theplurality of white particles 42 and the plurality of black particles 43function as electrophoresis particles.

The dispersion medium 41 is a liquid that enables the white particles 42and the black particles 43 to be dispersed inside the microcapsule 40.The dispersion medium 41 can be formed as a compound of a surfactant(i.e., surface-active agent) and either a single chemicalelement/material/substance or combined chemicalelements/materials/substances that is/are selected from, without anyintention to limit thereto: water, alcohol solvent such as methanol,ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, octanol, methyl cellosolve or the like,ester kinds such as ethyl acetate, butyl acetate or the like, ketonekinds such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone orthe like, aliphatic hydrocarbon such as pentane, hexane, octane or thelike, alicyclic hydrocarbon such as cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane orthe like, aromatic hydrocarbon such as benzene kinds having a long-chainalkyl group such as benzene, toluene, xylene, hexyl benzene, butylbenzene, octyl benzene, nonyl benzene, decyl benzene, undecyl benzene,dodecyl benzene, tridecyl benzene, tetradecyl benzene or the like,halogenated hydrocarbon such as methylene chloride, chloroform, carbontetrachloride, 1,2-dichloroethane or the like, carboxylate, or any otherkind of oil and fat.

The white particle 42 is constituted as, for example, a particle (i.e.,high polymer or colloid) made of white pigment such as titanium dioxide,hydrozincite, antimony trioxide or the like. In the present embodimentof the invention, the white particle 42 is charged negatively though notlimited thereto.

On the other hand, the black particle 43 is constituted as, for example,a particle (i.e., high polymer or colloid) made of black pigment such asaniline black, carbon black or the like. In the present embodiment ofthe invention, the black particle 43 is charged positively though notlimited thereto.

Having such a configuration, each of the plurality of white particles 42and the plurality of black particles 43 can move in an electric fieldthat is generated due to an electric potential difference between thepixel electrode 21 and the common electrode 22 in the dispersion medium41.

If necessary, a charge-controlling agent, a dispersing agent, alubricant, a stabilizing agent, or the like, may be added to thesepigments. The charge-controlling agent may be made of particles of, forexample, electrolyte, surface-active agent, metallic soap, resin, gum,oil, varnish, or compound, though not limited thereto. The dispersingagent may be a titanium-system coupling agent, an aluminum-systemcoupling agent, a silane-system coupling agent, though not limitedthereto.

An ion existing in the solvent (i.e., dispersion medium 41) covers eachof the white particles 42 and the black particles 43. Therefore, an ionlayer 44 is formed on the surface of each of the white particles 42 andthe black particles 43. An electric double layer is formed each betweenthe electrically-charged white particle 42 and the ion layer 44 as wellas each between the electrically-charged black particle 43 and the ionlayer 44. Generally speaking, it is known by a person skilled in the artthat electrically-charged particles such as the white particles 42 andthe black particles 43 do not react even when an electric field of 10kHz frequency or greater is applied thereto. Therefore, even when suchan electric field is applied thereto, these electrically chargedparticles hardly move. In contrast, it is known by a person skilled inthe art that an ion that surrounds each of these charged particles moveswhen an electric field of 10 kHz frequency or greater is applied theretobecause the ion has a far smaller diameter in comparison with that ofthe charged particle.

FIGS. 6A and 6B is a set of diagrams that schematically illustrates anexample of the operation of the microcapsule 40. In the followingdescription, the operation of the microcapsule 40 is explained whiletaking an ideal case where the ion layer 44 is not formed as an example.When a voltage is applied in such a manner that the voltage level (i.e.,electric potential) of the common electrode 22 is relatively high incomparison with that of the pixel electrode 21, as illustrated in FIG.6A, the black particles 43, which are positively charged, are drawn tothe pixel-electrode (21) side in the microcapsule 40 due to Coulombforce. On the other hand, the white particles 42, which are negativelycharged, are drawn to the common-electrode (22) side in the microcapsule40 due to Coulomb force. Consequently, the white particles 42 gather atthe display-surface side of the microcapsule 40. As a result thereof,the color of the white particle 42, that is, white, is displayed on thedisplay surface.

When a voltage is applied in such a manner that the voltage level of thepixel electrode 21 is relatively high in comparison with that of thecommon electrode 22, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, the white particles 42,which are negatively charged, are drawn to the pixel-electrode (21) sidein the microcapsule 40 due to Coulomb force. On the other hand, theblack particles 43, which are positively charged, are drawn to thecommon-electrode (22) side in the microcapsule 40 due to Coulomb force.Consequently, the black particles 43 gather at the display-surface sideof the microcapsule 40. As a result thereof, the color of the blackparticle 43, that is, black, is displayed on the display surface.

The pigments used for the white particles 42 and the black particles 43described above may be replaced by, for example, red, green, and blueone, though not limited thereto. If so modified, the electrophoresisdisplay device 1 can display, for example, red, green, and blue.

Driving of Electrophoresis Display Device

Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an explanation isgiven below as to how the electrophoresis display device according tothe present embodiment of the invention is driven.

FIG. 7A is a timing chart that shows an example of the operation of theelectrophoresis display device 1 according to the present embodiment ofthe invention. In the illustrated example, the electrophoresis displaydevice 1 according to the present embodiment of the inventiontransitions from a power OFF time period to, an image signal input timeperiod, an image display time period, and a power OFF time period in theorder of appearance herein in a sequential manner so as to displayimages. These timing operations are shown in the table of FIG. 7B.

First of all, the image signal input time period (operations performedduring the image signal input time period) is explained below. In theimage signal input time period, the common power supply modulationcircuit 8 that is illustrated in FIG. 1 supplies an electric potentialof approximately 5V to the first power line 13, whereas it supplies anelectric potential of approximately 0V, which constitutes a low level,to the second power line 14. By this means, the common power supplymodulation circuit 8 drives the SRAM 25 shown in FIG. 2.

The scanning line driving circuit 6 supplies a selection signal to thescanning line Y1. Among all of the pixels 2, the driving TFT 24 of eachof the pixels 2 that are electrically connected to the scanning line Y1is driven as a result of the application of the selection signalthereto. Consequently, an electric connection is established between thecorresponding data lines X1, X2, . . . , and Xn and the SRAMs 25 of thepixels 2 that are electrically connected to the scanning line Y1respectively.

The data line driving circuit 7 shown in FIG. 1 supplies an image signalto each of the data lines X1, X2, . . . , and Xn. By this means, theimage signal is inputted into each of the SRAMs 25 of the pixels 2 thatare electrically connected to the scanning line Y1.

After the image signal has been inputted into each of the SRAMs 25 ofthe pixels 2 that are electrically connected to the scanning line Y1,the scanning line driving circuit 6 stops the supplying of the selectionsignal to the scanning line Y1. As a consequence thereof, the pixels 2that are electrically connected to the scanning line Y1 are deselected(i.e., the selection state thereof is released). Next, the series ofoperations described above is performed for the pixels 2 that areelectrically connected to the scanning line Y2. This is repeated untilthe pixels 2 that are electrically connected to the scanning line Ymhave been selected. By this means, the image signal is inputted into theSRAM 25 of each of all pixels 2.

Next, the image display time period (operations performed during theimage display time period) is explained below.

The common power supply modulation circuit 8 supplies a high-levelelectric potential (i.e., voltage) of approximately 15V to the firstpower line 13 so as to transition into the image display time period.

As the SRAM 25 turns into a high-level driven state, the level of theimage signal that has been inputted into the SRAM 25 at 5V is raised andthen retained at the high level.

The common power supply modulation circuit 8 inputs a pulse-patternsignal that has a constant frequency, which alternates (i.e., switchesover) between a high-level state (i.e., high-level sub time periods) anda low-level state (i.e., low-level sub time periods), into the commonelectrode 22 via the common electrode power supply line 15.

Among all of the pixels 2, each of the pixels 2 in which the SRAM 25thereof has received the input of the image signal having a low level,the SRAM 25 supplies a high-level input to the pixel electrode 21thereof.

In each of these pixels 2 (HIGH at the pixel electrode 21), a largeelectric potential difference is generated between the pixel electrode21 and the common electrode 22 when the electric potential of the commonelectrode 22 in which the pulse-pattern signal is being inputted is atthe low level (LOW at the common electrode 22). As a result of such alarge electric potential difference, the white particles 42 are drawn tothe pixel electrode 21 whereas the black particles 43 are drawn to thecommon electrode 22. Consequently, each of these pixels 2 displaysblack.

On the other hand, among all of the pixels 2, each of the pixels 2 inwhich the SRAM 25 thereof has received the input of the image signalhaving an electric potential of 5V, the SRAM 25 supplies a low-levelinput to the pixel electrode 21 thereof.

In each of these pixels 2 (LOW at the pixel electrode 21), a largeelectric potential difference is generated between the pixel electrode21 and the common electrode 22 when the electric potential of the commonelectrode 22 in which the pulse-pattern signal is being inputted is atthe high level (HIGH at the common electrode 22). As a result of such alarge electric potential difference, the black particles 42 are drawn tothe pixel electrode 21 whereas the white particles 43 are drawn to thecommon electrode 22. Consequently, each of these pixels 2 displayswhite.

After the images have been displayed in the image display time period,the common power supply modulation circuit 8 electrically disconnectsthe first power line 13, the second power line 14, and the commonelectrode power supply line 15. As these lines become disconnected, theoperation of the electrophoresis display device 1 according to thepresent embodiment of the invention enters the power OFF time period.

Suppression of Leakage Current

FIG. 8 is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of twopixels 2 that are arrayed adjacent to each other in the display portion3 shown in FIG. 1.

The left pixel 2A of the illustrated two pixels is provided with adriving TFT 24 a, an SRAM 25 a, and a pixel electrode 21 a. The rightpixel 2B of the illustrated two pixels is provided with a driving TFT 24b, an SRAM 25 b, and a pixel electrode 21 b. The insulation layer 31 isformed between the left pixel electrode 21 a and the right pixelelectrode 21 b.

The left SRAM 25 a is made up of P-MOS 25 ap 1, P-MOS 25 ap 2, N-MOS 25an 1, and N-MOS 25 an 2. The right SRAM 25 b is made up of P-MOS 25 bp1, P-MOS 25 bp 2, N-MOS 25 bn 1, and N-MOS 25 bn 2.

A certain electric potential is applied to one of these pixel electrodes21 a and 21 b whereas another electric potential, which has a leveldifferent from that of the above-mentioned certain electric potential,is applied to the other, which is adjacent to the above-mentioned one ofthese pixel electrodes 21 a and 21 b. For example, it is assumed hereinthat a high-level signal is inputted into the pixel electrode 21 awhereas a low-level signal is inputted into the pixel electrode 21 b.Therefore, in the illustrated example, the left pixel 2A displays black,whereas the right pixel 2B displays white.

Since an electric field occurs due to a large electric potentialdifference between the left pixel electrode 21 a and the right pixelelectrode 21 b, it is most likely that a leakage current flows via theadhesive layer 30.

In the typical configuration of an electrophoresis display device of therelated art, the insulation layer 31 is not formed each between twopixel electrodes 21 that are arrayed adjacent to each other unlike theconfiguration of the present invention illustrated in, for example, FIG.3. Therefore, in the configuration of the electrophoresis display deviceof the related art, it is practically impossible or at best difficult tocut off a leakage path. For this reason, in the configuration of theelectrophoresis display device of the related art, a leakage current isgenerated between these two pixel electrodes 21. In contrast, in theconfiguration of the electrophoresis display device 1 according to thepresent embodiment of the invention, the insulation layer 31 that isformed each between two pixel electrodes 21 arrayed adjacent to eachother shuts off the leakage path, thereby making it possible toeffectively suppress a leakage current.

As has already been described above, in the configuration of theelectrophoresis display device 1 according to the present embodiment ofthe invention, the insulation layer 31 is formed in such a manner thatit further covers the peripheral region of the upper surface of thepixel electrode 21. Such a configuration ensures that the intervalbetween the upper surface of one pixel electrode 21 (e.g., left pixelelectrode 21 a) that is exposed at the open region of the insulationlayer 31 and the upper surface of another adjacent pixel electrode 21(e.g., right pixel electrode 21 b) that is exposed at the open region ofthe insulation layer 31 is relatively large, which means that the lengthof the leakage path is relatively large. For this reason, theelectrophoresis display device 1 according to the present embodiment ofthe invention makes it possible to effectively suppress a leakagecurrent. That is, in the configuration of the electrophoresis displaydevice 1 according to the present embodiment of the invention, theinsulation layer 31 that is formed between these two pixel electrodes 21shuts off the leakage path that extends or leads from an edge surface(i.e., side surface) of the above-mentioned one pixel electrode 21thereof to an edge surface of the above-mentioned another adjacent pixelelectrode 21 thereof. By this means, the electrophoresis display device1 according to the present embodiment of the invention makes it possibleto effectively suppress a leakage current. In addition thereto, as hasalready been described above, the upper surface of the insulation layer31 protrudes, at least slightly, toward the electrophoresis element 23with respect to the upper surface of the pixel electrode 21 in theconfiguration of the electrophoresis display device 1 according to thepresent embodiment of the invention. With such a configuration, it ispossible to effectively prevent a leakage current from bypassing theinsulation layer 31 (i.e., flowing above the insulation layer 31). Thus,the electrophoresis display device 1 according to the present embodimentof the invention makes it possible to further effectively suppress aleakage current.

Variation Example

FIG. 9 is a general circuit diagram that schematically illustrates anexample of the electric configuration of an electrophoresis displaydevice 101 according to a modified embodiment of the invention. Theelectrophoresis display device 101 according to the modified embodimentof the invention described below differs from the electrophoresisdisplay device 1 according to the foregoing exemplary embodiment of theinvention described above in that, in the configuration of theelectrophoresis display device 101, a common power supply modulationcircuit 108 is electrically connected to pixels 102 via a first controlline 111 and a second control line 112.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram that schematically illustrates an exampleof the configuration of one of the pixels 102. In the configuration ofthe pixel 102, a switching circuit 135 is provided between the SRAM 25and the pixel electrode (first electrode) 21. In the modified exampleillustrated therein, the switching circuit 135 is provided with a firsttransfer gate 136 and a second transfer gate 137. The transfer gate 136,137 is made up of a P-MOS and an N-MOS that are connected in parallel.

The gate electrode of the first transfer gate 136 and the gate electrodeof the second transfer gate 137 are electrically connected to the SRAM25. The source electrode of the first transfer gate 136 is electricallyconnected to the first control line 111. The source electrode of thesecond transfer gate 137 is electrically connected to the second controlline 112. The drain electrode of the first transfer gate 136 and thedrain electrode of the second transfer gate 137 are electricallyconnected to the pixel electrode 21.

In the configuration of the electrophoresis display device 101 shown inFIG. 9, either one of the first transfer gate 136 and the secondtransfer gate 137 is driven on the basis of an image signal that isinputted into the SRAM 25. Either the first control line 111 or thesecond control line 112 that is connected to the driven one of these twotransfer gates becomes connected to the pixel electrode 21. In otherwords, the first control line 111 becomes connected to the pixelelectrode 21 if the first transfer gate 136 is driven, whereas thesecond control line 112 becomes connected to the pixel electrode 21 ifthe second transfer gate 137 is driven. Then, the electric potential ofthe connected one of these two control lines is inputted into the pixelelectrode 21. By this means, an image is displayed at the pixel 102.

An electric field occurs due to an electric potential difference betweentwo of the pixels 102 that are arrayed adjacent to each other in theelectrophoresis display device 101 having the circuit configurationshown in FIG. 10, as it occurs in the configuration of theelectrophoresis display device 1 described above. However, since theelectrophoresis display device 101 is provided with the insulation layer31 (refer to FIG. 3) each between two adjacent pixel electrodes 21, itis possible to suppress a leakage current.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 11 is a sectional view that schematically illustrates an example ofthe partial configuration of the display portion 3 of an electrophoresisdisplay device according to another exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

In the configuration of an electrophoresis display device according tothe present embodiment of the invention, the insulation layer 31 isformed at a region between each two of the pixel electrodes 21 that arearrayed adjacent to each other. In addition thereto, especially at thecenter of the (gap) region between each two of the pixel electrodes 21that are arrayed adjacent to each other, the upper surface of theinsulation layer 31 protrudes, at least slightly, toward theelectrophoresis element 23 with respect to the upper surface of thepixel electrode 21 in the configuration of the electrophoresis displaydevice according to the present embodiment of the invention.Notwithstanding the foregoing, the illustrated configuration may bemodified in such a manner that the upper surface of the insulation layer31 is not protruded at all and thus is at the same level as that of theupper surface of the pixel electrode 21 as long as such a non-protrudedconfiguration can still suppress a leakage current to asatisfactory/sufficient level/degree.

FIG. 12 is a plan view that schematically illustrates an example of theconfiguration of the insulation layer 31 and the pixel electrode 21 thatmake up the display portion 3 according to the present embodiment of theinvention while any components other than the insulation layer 31 andthe pixel electrode 21 are omitted therefrom. As shown in FIG. 12, in aplan view, the insulation layer 31 is formed in a grid pattern so as toextend along each gap region between two pixel electrodes 21 arrayedadjacent to each other.

In the configuration of the electrophoresis display device according tothe present embodiment of the invention described above, the insulationlayer 31 that is formed each between the above-mentioned two pixelelectrodes 21 that are arrayed adjacent to each other shuts off theleakage path that extends or leads from an edge surface of one of thesetwo pixel electrodes 21 to an edge surface of the other thereof. By thismeans, the electrophoresis display device according to the presentembodiment of the invention makes it possible to effectively suppress aleakage current. In addition thereto, as has already been describedabove, the upper surface of the insulation layer 31 protrudes, at leastslightly, toward the electrophoresis element 23 with respect to theupper surface of the pixel electrode 21 in the configuration of theelectrophoresis display device according to the present embodiment ofthe invention. With such a configuration, it is possible to effectivelyprevent a leakage current from bypassing the insulation layer 31; or, inother words, it is possible to effectively prevent a leakage currentfrom flowing above the insulation layer 31. Thus, the electrophoresisdisplay device according to the present embodiment of the inventionmakes it possible to further effectively suppress a leakage current. Inaddition thereto, the electrophoresis display device according to thesecond embodiment of the invention described above makes it possible toincrease the size of (i.e., ensure the relatively large size of) theeffective image display area of the pixel electrode 21 because no partof the insulation layer 31 is formed to overlie (i.e., overlap in a planview) the upper surface of the pixel electrode 21.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 13 is a sectional view that schematically illustrates an example ofthe partial configuration of the display portion 3 of an electrophoresisdisplay device according to still another exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

In the configuration of the electrophoresis display device according tothe present embodiment of the invention, the insulation layer 31 isformed only at the substantial center, and/or in the vicinity thereof,of the (gap) region between each two of the pixel electrodes 21 that arearrayed adjacent to each other, which means that the insulation layer 31is not in contact with the pixel electrode 21. In addition thereto, theupper surface of the insulation layer 31 protrudes, at least slightly,toward the electrophoresis element 23 with respect to the upper surfaceof the pixel electrode 21 in the configuration of the electrophoresisdisplay device according to the present embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a plan view that schematically illustrates an example of theconfiguration of the insulation layer 31 and the pixel electrode 21 thatmake up the display portion 3 according to the present embodiment of theinvention while any components other than the insulation layer 31 andthe pixel electrode 21 are omitted therefrom. As shown in FIG. 14, in aplan view, the insulation layer 31 is formed in a slim-line grid patternso as to extend inside each gap region between two pixel electrodes 21arrayed adjacent to each other.

In the configuration of the electrophoresis display device according tothe present embodiment of the invention described above, the insulationlayer 31 that is formed each between the above-mentioned two pixelelectrodes 21 that are arrayed adjacent to each other shuts off, not atan edge surface of the pixel electrode 21 but at some point (e.g., thesubstantial center and/or in the vicinity thereof) of the gap regionbetween each two of the pixel electrodes 21 that are arrayed adjacent toeach other, the leakage path that extends or leads from the edge surfaceof one of these two pixel electrodes 21 to the edge surface of the otherthereof. By this means, the electrophoresis display device according tothe present embodiment of the invention makes it possible to effectivelysuppress a leakage current. Each gap groove formed between the pixelelectrode 21 and the insulation layer 31 functions as a relief clearanceinto which any “too-much” adhesive can flow when it is applied thereto.Thanks to such a relief clearance, it is easier to planarize (i.e.,flatten) the surface of the adhesive layer 30. In addition thereto, theelectrophoresis display device according to the third embodiment of theinvention described above makes it possible to increase the size of(i.e., ensure the relatively large size of) the effective image displayarea of the pixel electrode 21 because no part of the insulation layer31 is formed to overlie (i.e., overlap in a plan view) the upper surfaceof the pixel electrode 21.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 15 is a sectional view that schematically illustrates an example ofthe partial configuration of the display portion 3 of an electrophoresisdisplay device according to still another exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

In the configuration of the electrophoresis display device according tothe present embodiment of the invention, (each of) the insulationlayer(s) 31 is formed to be in contact with the edge surface of the(corresponding) pixel electrode 21. In addition thereto, the uppersurface of the insulation layer 31 protrudes, at least slightly, towardthe electrophoresis element 23 with respect to the upper surface of thepixel electrode 21 in the configuration of the electrophoresis displaydevice according to the present embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a plan view that schematically illustrates an example of theconfiguration of the insulation layer 31 and the pixel electrode 21 thatmake up the display portion 3 according to the present embodiment of theinvention while any components other than the insulation layer 31 andthe pixel electrode 21 are omitted therefrom. As illustrated in thedrawing, the insulation layer 31 is formed to surround the pixelelectrode 21.

In the configuration of the electrophoresis display device according tothe present embodiment of the invention described above, (each of) theinsulation layer(s) 31 that is formed to surround the (corresponding)pixel electrode 21 shuts off leakage of an undesirable current from theedge surface of the pixel electrode 21. That is, the insulation layer 31shuts off the leakage path that extends or leads from the edge surfaceof one of two pixel electrodes 21 that are arrayed adjacent to eachother to the edge surface of the other thereof. By this means, theelectrophoresis display device according to the present embodiment ofthe invention makes it possible to effectively suppress a leakagecurrent. In addition thereto, as has already been described above, theupper surface of the insulation layer 31 protrudes, at least slightly,toward the electrophoresis element 23 with respect to the upper surfaceof the pixel electrode 21 in the configuration of the electrophoresisdisplay device according to the present embodiment of the invention.With such a configuration, it is possible to effectively prevent aleakage current from bypassing the insulation layer 31; or, in otherwords, it is possible to effectively prevent a leakage current fromflowing above the insulation layer 31. Thus, the electrophoresis displaydevice according to the present embodiment of the invention makes itpossible to further effectively suppress a leakage current. In additionthereto, the electrophoresis display device according to the fourthembodiment of the invention described above makes it possible toincrease the size of (i.e., ensure the relatively large size of) theeffective image display area of the pixel electrode 21 because no partof the insulation layer 31 is formed to overlie (i.e., overlap in a planview) the upper surface of the pixel electrode 21.

As a modification example of the configuration described above, theinsulation layer 31 may be formed in such a manner that it furthercovers the peripheral region of the upper surface of the pixel electrode21. Such a modified configuration ensures that the interval between theupper surface of one pixel electrode 21 that is exposed at the openregion of the insulation layer 31 and the upper surface of anotheradjacent pixel electrode 21 that is exposed at the open region of theinsulation layer 31 is relatively large, which means that the length ofthe leakage path is relatively large. For this reason, the modifiedconfiguration described above makes it possible to further effectivelysuppress a leakage current.

Electronic Apparatus

FIG. 17 is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of theconfiguration of an electronic apparatus that is provided with anelectrophoresis display device according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe invention (e.g., the electrophoresis display device 1 according tothe first embodiment of the invention, though not limited thereto). Theelectrophoresis display device 1 according to the first embodiment ofthe invention, though not limited thereto, can be applied to a varietyof electronic apparatuses. In the following description, an explanationis given of a few non-limiting examples of an electronic apparatus thatis provided with the electrophoresis display device 1 according to thefirst embodiment of the invention. As a first example, a flexible sheetof electronic paper to which the electrophoresis display device 1according to the first embodiment of the invention is applied isexplained. FIG. 17 shows, in a perspective view, an example of theconfiguration of electronic paper. Electronic paper 1000 has theelectrophoresis display device 1 according to the first embodiment ofthe invention, though not limited thereto, as its display unit (displayportion). A main body portion 1001 of the electronic paper 1000 is madeof a sheet material that has almost the same texture and flexibility asthose of conventional paper (i.e., normal non-electronic paper). Theelectrophoresis display device 1 according to the first embodiment ofthe invention is provided on the surface of the main body portion 1001so as to constitute the electronic paper 1000.

As a second example of an electronic apparatus that is provided with theelectrophoresis display device 1 according to the first embodiment ofthe invention, though not limited thereto, FIG. 18 shows an example ofthe configuration of an electronic notebook 1100 in a perspective view.The electronic notebook 1100 has a plurality of sheets of the electronicpaper 1000 illustrated in FIG. 17. The electronic notebook 1100 isfurther provided with a book jacket 1101, which covers the sheets ofelectronic paper 1000. The book jacket 1101 is provided with a displaydata input unit that supplies (i.e., inputs) display data that has beensent from, for example, an external device. The display data input unitis not shown in the drawing. Having such a configuration, the electronicnotebook 1100 illustrated in FIG. 18 is capable of changing and/orupdating (i.e., overwriting) display content in accordance with thesupplied display data without any necessity to unbind the electronicpaper 1000.

Among a variety of electronic apparatuses to which the electrophoresisdisplay device according to the invention could be embodied are, inaddition to the electronic apparatus (electronic paper and electronicnotebook) explained above with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, a liquidcrystal display television, a viewfinder-type video tape recorder, avideo tape recorder of a direct monitor view type, a car navigationdevice, a pager, an electronic personal organizer, an electroniccalculator, a word processor, a workstation, a videophone, a POSterminal, a touch-panel device, and so forth. An electrophoresis displaydevice according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention (e.g., theelectrophoresis display device 1 according to the first embodiment ofthe invention, though not limited thereto) can be adopted as the displayunit of a variety of electronic apparatuses including but not limited tothose enumerated above.

1. An electrophoresis display device having a plurality of pixels thatis arrayed in a two-dimensional pattern, the electrophoresis displaydevice comprising: a first electrode that is formed in each of thepixels; a second electrode that is formed opposite to the firstelectrode; an electrophoresis element that is sandwiched between thefirst electrode and the second electrode and has electrophoresisparticles that are charged electrically; and an insulation layer that isformed at a region between each two of the first electrodes that arearrayed adjacent to each other.
 2. An electrophoresis display devicehaving a plurality of pixels that is arrayed in a two-dimensionalpattern, the electrophoresis display device comprising: a firstelectrode that is formed in each of the pixels; a second electrode thatis formed opposite to the first electrode; an electrophoresis elementthat is sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrodeand has electrophoresis particles that are charged electrically; and aninsulation layer that is formed on the first electrode and has anopening over the upper surface of the first electrode.
 3. Theelectrophoresis display device according to claim 2, wherein theinsulation layer is formed to cover a peripheral region of the uppersurface of the first electrode.
 4. The electrophoresis display deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the insulation layer is formed to be incontact with an edge surface of the first electrode.
 5. Theelectrophoresis display device according to claim 1, wherein theinsulation layer is formed not to be in contact with the firstelectrode.
 6. The electrophoresis display device according to claim 1,wherein the insulation layer protrudes toward the electrophoresiselement with respect to the upper surface of the first electrode.
 7. Theelectrophoresis display device according to claim 1, wherein theinsulation layer is formed to extend from the upper surface of one ofthe above-mentioned two first electrodes that are arrayed adjacent toeach other to the upper surface of the other of the above-mentioned twofirst electrodes that are arrayed adjacent to each other.
 8. Theelectrophoresis display device according to claim 1, wherein theelectrophoresis element is in a capsular form that seals theelectrophoresis particles; and the electrophoresis element is providedover the first electrode, an adhesive layer being interposed between theelectrophoresis element and the first electrode.
 9. An electronicapparatus that is provided with the electrophoresis display deviceaccording to claim 1.